Analysis of penetrating neck injuries at a South London Trauma Centre before and after the first national lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

Penetrating neck injuries (PNIs) are defined as a trauma which breaches the platysma. 1 They are considered an uncommon but serious presentation which may require immediate treatment due to potential adverse outcomes. 2 Generally, the treatment for PNIs can be classified into immediate surgical treatment, delayed surgical treatment and conservative (most commonly closure under local anaesthetic). 3 Whilst globally Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) including gunshot wounds account for the majority of PNIs, Deliberate Self Harm (DSH) and other accidents are responsible for a significant proportion in the United Kingdom. 4 St George's University Hospital (St George's) is a major London trauma centre covering a wide geographical population of 3.5 million and receives a large number of trauma patients through its Emergency Department. 5 We audited St George's experience of PNIs before and during the 2020/2021 Coronavirus (COVID) pandemic.